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The best camping in Dalem Lake Provincial Park, NS

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Discover Dalem Lake's serene trails and abundant wildlife.  

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Top-rated campgrounds near Dalem Lake Provincial Park

  • Next to tent site
  • Road (bumpy but accessible with 2WD) through pasture to campsite
  • Next to tent site

Black Rock Stables

97%
(89)
7.3km from Dalem Lake Provincial Park · 2 sites · Tents
If you enjoy beautiful views of lakes/ocean and mountains, gorgeous sunsets, stargazing, the sound of the waves and bell buoys then Black Rock Stables campsite is the place for you to pitch your tent. Located at the end of the farm on a cliff (6’ wire fence) overlooking the beautiful Brasd’Or lakes. You are welcome to have a campfire (wood available for $5.00), but check the Nova Scotia Government site to make certain campfires are permitted. Please feel free to visit the animals on the farm (horses, goats, rabbits and chickens); however, children must be accompanied by an adult. Also, please do not bring dogs near the farm animals.
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from 
CA$30
 / night
  • Inside the Hummingbird Pod
  • The sitting room. This couch pulls out into a bed.
  • Inside the Hummingbird Pod

Sally's Brook Wilderness Cabins

92%
(13)
9.3km from Dalem Lake Provincial Park · 8 sites · Lodging
Sally’s Brook is located in Unama’ki, within the unceded ancestral territory of the Mikmaq people. Sally’s Brook is an Eco-friendly property in the heart of Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia, Canada. We have three wilderness cabins and a yurt available for rent year-round, and three Lotus Belle glamping tents in the warmer weather. We have a wood-fired sauna and communal CookHouse kitchen-dining building for guests. We also have the Hive Dome! This 26 foot year-round space is the perfect place to host your own event with us, gather for our movie nights, board games, playing music, and retreat from bad weather with so much space to move around. Guest Use of the Hive: While you are staying on the property, we welcome guests to reserve time in the Hive for their own private use. Our staff will prepare this space for you by lighting the wood stove, stocking wood and heating it up for your arrival. Stretch, practice yoga, play games or music, or celebrate with your group! $30 + HST for a 3.5 hour reservation to current guests Morning, afternoon or evening (until 10:00pm) reservations are available
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from 
CA$139
 / night
  • Ingonish Beach. 10 min walk.
  • From the right perch...
  • Ingonish Beach. 10 min walk.

Smokey View

100%
(44)
43km from Dalem Lake Provincial Park · 1 site · RV
At the other side of the harbour is Ingonish Ferry. At one time the road around the harbour did not exist. People, horses and goods came across the bar by means of a ferry. There were many wharves with wooden ships tied up. The long white building on the corner used to be on the bar. A walk along the bar will award you with a view of the Keltic Lodge. Continue straight at the corner and you will find a trail that will take you to Ingonish beach.
Pets
from 
CA$60
 / night
  • River tubing is just one of the activities that we operate on site.
  • The view from the queen bed in each of our tents.
  • River tubing is just one of the activities that we operate on site.

Live Life In Tents Campground

99%
(61)
52km from Dalem Lake Provincial Park · 15 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
This was one of the original homesteads in the Margarees. There was an old sawmill on site which was used to build the house and barn. It was sold to a man who started renovations for a summer house but ended up listing it for sale. I purchased it and completely renovated the 100-year-old house. Shortly after, my brother and I started an outfitting company with no plan of building a campground, but in 2017 we saw a great opportunity for building something unique. We wanted to keep a backwoods camping feel, but yet create it around a hostel-inspired environment. We launched June 1, 2018 and are in full swing now. We look forward to meeting you and will help you out in any way to make your trip here something to remember. Adventure awaits at this eco-camping hostel offering a natural setting, overlooking a picturesque valley. This location offers close to off-grid camping with a twist of comfort; furnished Glamping tents, sleeping up to 4 people per tent on a queen bed with twin camping beds for extra guests. Cooking gear, bedding, and towels are provided. Each tent, located at this eco-hostel, has its own campfire pit, with a solar outdoor shower on site and beautiful views of the river valley.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
CA$35
 / night
  • Aspy Acres
  • Aspy Acres
  • Aspy Acres

Aspy Acres

98%
(21)
69km from Dalem Lake Provincial Park · 5 sites · Tents
Discover serenity at Aspy Acres, a tranquil campsite near Aspy Bay. Unwind by the creek, explore nearby White Point beach, and relish the privacy of secluded sites amidst lush trees and the sound of the babbling Smelt Brook. Ideal basecamp for Northern Cape Breton adventures. Book now for an unforgettable, rejuvenating camping experience.
Pets
Campfires
Toilets
from 
CA$25
 / night
  • Tenters can park their vehicles to the left of the fence line and tent to the right of the fence line. Entrance points to the tenting area every 100 feet.
  • You will drive by the barn on your way to a camping site. Tap with drinkable water to right of open door.
  • Tenters can park their vehicles to the left of the fence line and tent to the right of the fence line. Entrance points to the tenting area every 100 feet.

Big Belle Farm

97%
(230)
78km from Dalem Lake Provincial Park · 595 sites · Tents, RVs
INSTRUCTIONS When you reserve your tent/rv make sure to select the day you want to check in until the day you are leaving. For example, to stay all weekend, select Friday to Sunday. To stay only Friday night, select Friday to Saturday. Selecting only one date will not reserve the date you want as it expects a start and end date to select any given date or date range. ABOUT Big Belle Farm is surrounded by large hayfields on the front of our property and at the back behind where the concert will take place. Tenters will be camping in the front fields and RVs will behind the concert field. When you come onsite there will be someone to meet you who will point out the locations were you can setup your tent or RV. There will be event Portable Toilets on site and access to water near the concert grounds.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
CA$25
 / night
  • Cabot Cottage and Seaside Cabins
  • Cabot Cottage and Seaside Cabins
  • Cabot Cottage and Seaside Cabins

Cabot Cottage and Seaside Cabins

11km from Dalem Lake Provincial Park · 3 sites · Lodging
Enjoy the beauty of both the forest and the ocean on this 4 acre property off the Cabot Trail, where 3 wilderness cabins and a large 2-level home are nestled among the forest which leads down to the waterfront. The space is perfect for those who love nature and rustic vibes. All of the cabins sleep two people, with a personal fire pit, bbq, kitchenette, drinking water (although no running water), and all the amenities needed to spend a few nights in nature. The shared outdoor bathroom has been hand crafted with lots of natural light, a composting toilet (i.e. non-flushing), hot water shower and two sinks. ------- Shared spaces include the trails, washroom, deck overlooking the bay, adirondack chairs at the lookoff, kayaks, hammocks, wood shed, and checkerboard table. There will be up to 12 people on the property - 6 in the cabins, 4 in the main level of the home, and our on-site property managers stay in the walkout basement of the home. ------- The whole property is essentially on a hill. Parking is near the top, followed by the cabins, the shared bathrooms, the 2-story home, and then the waterfront is a few minutes further down. The paths are not suitable for people with mobility issues and potentially seniors. --------------------------------- Registration Number: STR2526T9953
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from 
CA$103
 / night
  • The Barachois Beach
  • The Barachois Beach
  • The Barachois Beach

The Barachois Beach

12km from Dalem Lake Provincial Park · 1 site · Tent, RV
Located in River Bennett / Jersey Cove on the north side of the Englishtown Ferry. Available for single or multi night, weekly or monthly stays. This waterfront property has a beautiful view of Kellys mountain, the ocean with easy access to the Waterfront for swimming or fishing. Close by are other beach access locations and; the Cabot Trail. You are between Ingonish and Baddeck for access to the Highlands or nearby amenities. Eat at the Clucking Hen Café or the Other Cupboard Emporium for shopping needs in the area. Lot is unserviced with no power, water or sewer. Private location. Welcome to book for individual nights or the entire summer!
Pets
Campfires
from 
CA$25
 / night
  • Island Point Resort
  • Island Point Resort
  • Island Point Resort

Island Point Resort

15km from Dalem Lake Provincial Park · 3 sites · RVs
Island Point Resort is perfectly suited for: Family Vacations, Fishing or Boating. Getaways Retreats Quiet vacation spot to unwind. This peaceful resort tucked in on the shore of the Little Bras d’Or at Island Point Harbor. We are located 25min from Newfoundland ferry terminal. We are mainly a seasonal RV resort with some rental cabins. We have plenty of parking, boat ramp and small dock. Swimming raft and moorings for boats. Feel free to reach out to Jon at 902-322-1824 via call or text for more information.
Pets
Full hookups
from 
CA$50
 / night
  • Great Bras D'Or Waterside Camp
  • Great Bras D'Or Waterside Camp
  • Great Bras D'Or Waterside Camp

Great Bras D'Or Waterside Camp

100%
(1)
17km from Dalem Lake Provincial Park · 3 sites · Tents, RVs
Nicely treed with grassy clearings, this waterfront property has a pebble beach, with stunning views down the Great Bras D'Or Channel. At the beach, there’s swimming and fishing, shell searching, rock-skipping. Walk 100m down the beach to the Ross Ferry Marine Park where you’ll find shaded walking-trails, an outdoor fitness gym, and a jungle-gym with a slide for kids. Anyone who feels bold enough can jump off the wharf! There is also a boat launch that can be used (for a small donation to the Ross Ferry Marine Park. Guests of all campsites will have communal access to a small cabin close to the road in SUMMER TIMES ONLY. The interior of the cabin and the water are shut down in September. The cabin has power and water (AC cord can be run from the exterior outlet, and a hose can be attached to the exterior tap). Guests are free to use the small basic kitchen, bathroom, large deck and small living room, but the cabin is not for sleeping. There is no regular cleaning service, so guests are responsible for keeping the communal spaces clean.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
from 
CA$35
 / night
  • The Dancing Moose Vacation rentals
  • The Dancing Moose Vacation rentals
  • The Dancing Moose Vacation rentals

The Dancing Moose Vacation rentals

100%
(3)
28km from Dalem Lake Provincial Park · 4 sites · Lodging
The Dancing Moose Vacation rentals, (formally the Dancing Moose Cafe) is a beautiful 3.5 acre ocean front, (rock) beach accessible property, located right on the Cabot Trail, one of the most scenic routes in the world! We are located on the east side (sunrise) on the Cabot Trail, about 15 minutes from Ski Cape Smokey, 25 minutes from the entrance of the Cape Breton Highland National Park with over 35 well maintained hikes. The on site restaurant, The Dancing Moose Cafe, is changing its activity starting this year (2025) and will only be open, serving breakfast for guests that stay on the property. Full a la carte breakfast is available, including our "famoose" Dutch Pannekoek. Breakfast is optional and not included in the rental fee. There are 4 different kind of vacation rentals on the property, The Sleeping Moose Cottage (1x), The Zzzz Moose Camping Cabins (3x) The ZzzzMoose 2.0 Camping Cabin (1x) and the Birch Plain Tower 1x). The Sleeping Moose has a minimum of 2 nights. All other rentals can be booked for 1 night, or more of course. Except for the Birch Plain Tower al our vacation rentals are pet friendly. (as long as you see this message it means we are working on setting up the rental units)
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from 
CA$91
 / night
  • Wreck Cove, Cabot Trail Oceanfront
  • Wreck Cove, Cabot Trail Oceanfront
  • Wreck Cove, Cabot Trail Oceanfront

Wreck Cove, Cabot Trail Oceanfront

100%
(2)
33km from Dalem Lake Provincial Park · 1 site · Tent, RV
Welcome to your slice of paradise along the majestic Cabot Trail! This property offers 6.94 acres of beautiful level land with 394 feet of breathtaking ocean frontage. Nestled on the renowned Cabot Trail near the base of Smokey, this property boasts level terrain, accessible via an established driveway and some clearing started for R or tent along the driveway/ocean of tucked in to the trees. Take in the inspiring views of Cape Smokey and listen to the waves crashing in! For added convenience, the amenities of Ingonish are a short 10-minute drive, providing easy access to dining, shopping, and other essentials.
Pets
from 
CA$40
 / night

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

Great Bras D'Or Waterside Camp
C
Camille
November 2025
Tent
3 nights at Great Bras D'Or Waterside Camp
I booked, confirmed by email, three nights here as their ad offered full services, drove quite a ways to get there and was exhausted the first night when I arrived so went directly to the site and slept. Come morning, I went down to the house that the ad says has the kitchen, shower, toilet, water, electricity. All doors were locked. Took two hours for the owner to respond to my email and he responded that they were closed for the season and would offer a full refund. I requested a full refund then had to follow up to obtain it. Then I checked my records and see that I did not get the full refund. I had to email again and was advised by owner that I had to contact hip camp for the remainder. Waste of time I replied, for all of this. He then challenged me that I had somewhere to lay my head for the night for $10 and asked me if I liked the view. I only wasted $50 to get there, sleep, NOT shower and have amenities then had to find somewhere else and drive there. Terrible service.
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Black Rock Stables
M
Myles
October 2025
Tent
With pets
Weekend Trip to Black Rock Stables
Nicest view with a lot of protection from the wind and rain.
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Fainne Crann Camping
Avatar
Marnie
October 2025
Tent
Group trip
1 night at Fainne Crann Camping
Beautiful private spot with lovely host. Nice hot shower and my teenagers loved the game room!
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Location of the 5 woodland camp sites. Campsite 1 is the nearest campsite in this photo.
Avatar
Marnie
October 2025
Tent
Group trip
Weekend Trip to Big Belle Farm
Clear directions and beautiful views, perfect spot to pitch a tent for the night
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Wreck Cove, Cabot Trail Oceanfront
N
Nick
October 2025
30 ft travel trailer
Weekend Trip to Wreck Cove, Cabot Trail Oceanfront
We loved camping on Jenessa’s land. Highly recommended. Loved hearing the sounds of the ocean and seeing plenty of seals ! Stay here, you won’t regret it .
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Fainne Crann Camping
I
Ireland
October 2025
Tent
Weekend Trip to Fainne Crann Camping
We had such a nice stay at Janis’s! It was cozy, comfortable and private. There is a great indoor area where we played games and there was a whole field of tenting spots to choose from. We recommend staying here!
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Fainne Crann Camping
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H
October 2025
Tent
1 night at Fainne Crann Camping
Great spot. Off the main road by 4 short kms. Tucked away at the foot of the mtns…..I had the place all to myself. Parked my van so I could see the moon dance across the sky. Very quiet and had a great sleep. Total props.
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Landing is 25 feet deep to bank, 30 feet wide.
J
John
September 2025
20 ft travel trailer
Weekend Trip to Smokey View
This was a truly exceptional spot with a beautiful view out over the water. On one side was a grassy area and steps leading down to the water's edge; on the other a hidden away picnic table and a firepit with bench and firewood supplied. Blair was welcoming and helpful with suggestions for things to do in the area. Highly, highly recommended.
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Landing is 25 feet deep to bank, 30 feet wide.
S
Stephanie
September 2025
14 ft travel trailer
With pets
3 nights at Smokey View
The host was accommodating and friendly. The site was fantastic and the photos don't do it justice. We're already hoping to stay here again the next time we come up the CBI.
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This booking is for a campsite ONLY. The tent is not provided.
J
Jake
September 2025
Tent
Weekend Trip to Live Life In Tents Campground
Great campsites with bathrooms and a shower. The apples were in season so we ate a few! This campsite is where we begin our bike tour of the Cabot Trail. I would stay here again in a heartbeat.
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Site in day
T
Theodore
September 2025
23 ft campervan
2 nights at Live Life In Tents Campground
Beautiful and convenient location, close to beaches, sites, gas and groceries, and a reasonable drive to Baddeck. Lee was a friendly, informative host. The site is called”unserviced” but the washrooms and showers were terrific, exceeding or on par with any other campground we visited.
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This booking is for a campsite ONLY. A tent, sleeping bag, and sleeping pad are not included.
T
Theodore
September 2025
23 ft campervan
With pets
2 nights at Live Life In Tents Campground
Loved staying here, good clean facilities, laidback vibe, sweet sites to visit nearby and central to both coast and Bras Dor.
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This booking is for a campsite ONLY. A tent, sleeping bag, and sleeping pad are not included.
T
Tom
September 2025
26 ft campervan
1 night at Live Life In Tents Campground
Nice open area with view of surrounding hills. Lee was very friendly and provided a lot of helpful information about hikes in the area.
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Black Rock Stables
J
Jacob
September 2025
Tent
1 night at Black Rock Stables
Excellent spot! The views were incredible! (Needs 50 spaces so fjalfjsnflsmxbxkebrjficntjenfj)
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Black Rock Stables
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Kim
September 2025
Tent
1 night at Black Rock Stables
Kim is a friendly host, and her property is just beautiful, with horses, dogs, chickens, goats and rabbits! The campsite is positioned beyond the homestead, through a gate and has a beautiful view of the ocean. The campsite is laid out very well and has a clean, well kept outhouse. It feels private and peaceful to camp on this farm. There is no traffic noise whatsoever, just the sounds of the country, farm animals and the ocean. Would stay again! A very short drive to N Sydney which was an added bonus.
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Aspy Acres
K
Kassondra
September 2025
Weekend Trip to Aspy Acres
What a great, private little spot right located at the tip of Cape Breton! If you’re adverse to national and provincial park campground feels, this is the site for you! It was very much our kind of camping, a lovely, quiet, private spot alongside a babbling brook, with the sound of the waves crashing against the shoreline in the distance. 10/10 would recommend.
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This booking is for a campsite ONLY. A tent, sleeping bag, and sleeping pad are not included.
Avatar
Garrett
August 2025
20 ft campervan
Weekend Trip to Live Life In Tents Campground
Great views in a wide open field with tons of space. The food truck was closed for an event, but the menu looked bomb. Lee was friendly and helpful with tons of tips for the area.
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Wreck Cove, Cabot Trail Oceanfront
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Garrett
August 2025
20 ft campervan
With pets
3 nights at Wreck Cove, Cabot Trail Oceanfront
Incredible spot to post up for a few days right on the ocean. Little space aside from the road itself, but no prob if you’ve got a van to just open up. The waves have a really unique sound with how the rocks crackle when they recede.
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Smokey View
Avatar
Lauren
August 2025
16 ft Class B
3 nights at Smokey View
Blair’s spot is AMAZING!! This was our last camping spot while traveling around and camping on Cape Breton along the Cabot Trail and it was our favorite, hands down!! Blair was so helpful sharing some tips with us on some local spots or easy ways to access things, and the site itself was incredible! A great location for getting to the nearby beaches and beautiful natural views, but it was also so quiet and sp private. We loved the sunny grassy area for relaxing in the afternoon and we also loved watching all of the sea birds and fishing boats through the day. The picnic table was in a cozy spot tucked under beautiful trees with a view of the water and cape across the bay. The way the sunlight hits the cliffs in the late afternoon late across the water was absolutely breathtaking. We even saw a bald eagle! The star gazing was fantastic at night. We could go on and on. We will be back to Cape Breton again hopefully very soon and would definitely love to stay here again!
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Live Life In Tents Campground
E
Elke
August 2025
16 ft travel trailer
4 nights at Live Life In Tents Campground
We enjoyed our stay at Life in tents. It was a lovely spot. We had our teardrop trailer there for a couple of nights. The showers and toilet were perfect. Thanks Lee and Kanary!
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The best camping in Dalem Lake Provincial Park, NS guide

Overview

About

Nestled amid the lush hardwoods of Boularderie East, Dalem Lake Provincial Park is a haven for nature enthusiasts and hikers alike. The park boasts a pristine white sand beach and a 2.2 km trail that hugs the lake's perimeter, offering a peaceful escape for birding, wildlife watching, and sport fishing. The tranquil waters of the lake provide a reflective surface for the surrounding natural beauty, inviting visitors to immerse themselves in the serenity of this scenic destination.

When to go

The ideal time to visit Dalem Lake Provincial Park is during the warm summer months, from June to August, when the weather is perfect for hiking and wildlife watching. The park's natural beauty comes alive in the fall, with vibrant foliage creating a picturesque setting. Winter months can be challenging due to snow and cold temperatures, making some activities less accessible.

Know before you go

  • Ensure you have a valid fishing license if you plan to engage in sport fishing at the lake.
  • Look out for local wildlife and maintain a safe distance, especially when birding or hiking.
  • Check the weather forecast before your visit, as conditions can change rapidly.
  • Wear appropriate footwear for the trails, which can be uneven in places.
  • Remember to carry out all trash and respect the natural environment of the park.

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Top parks near Dalem Lake Provincial Park

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Top cities near Dalem Lake Provincial Park

Antigonish
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